should i keep ds1 away from the childminder's?

[Sufi]

I'm after some advice. DS1, 6mo, started at the CM 2 day p/w last week. Spent both days (mon and tues) with a 3 yo. CM just texted to say the 3yo has chickenpox.

I'm hoping he has only just come down with it as that would mean he wasn't contagious when he was with my DS. BUT he could have infected some of the other kids who were there later in the week, who may not yet be poorly and so will be at the CM with my DS again this week.

I'm really busy with work and can't afford to keep DS1 away from the CM until all this settles down. but i'm also terrified he'll get ill.

what should I do??

Humm. I would say that keeping your ds away from the cm just in case one of the other kids is infectious isn't really a go-er. Kids are usually at their most infectious a few days before spots appear ... but it can incubate for up to 3 weeks (usually incubates 2-3weeks) So, actually, if he has passed it on, the dangter zone will be in 2 weeks or so.

Realistically, if the 3 yo has been around other children, he may well have passed it on (chicken pox has just been round a mates childminders - ALL her kids (about 12) got it, spread over about 2 months!) That said, my kids were exposed loads of times before they got it, so you just never know.

Is he still breastfed at all? That can provide immunity (not sure at what level)

thanks for that - just done the sums and also worked out the infectious period will be in a few weeks' time... he's just so young to be getting chickenpox that I don't know what to do for the best

fwiw, my understanding is that little ones often get it less badly. My dd (2years) has it at the minute, and hasn't batted an eyelid.

Best to get it over with tbh.